Carnival Corp confirms ‘next generation’ of ship orders

Carnival Corporation has confirmed plans for nine new generation cruise ships to be introduced between 2019 and 2022.

The shipbuilding agreements, which include options for additional new builds in the coming years, are subject to several conditions, including satisfactory financing, the cruise giant said.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and German shipyard Meyer Werft will each build new vessels based on Carnival Corporation’s next-generation ship designs.

As part of each company’s long-term strategic partnership with Carnival Corporation, additional new ship orders are being explored over the coming decade.

The manufacturers will produce the most efficient ships in the cruise company’s history, Carnival claimed

The new ships are expected to serve established cruise markets in North America and Europe, as well as newer markets, including China.

Each new ship will be specifically designed and developed for each brand.

Additional information on the ship design, and which of the company’s nine global brands will add these next-generation vessels to their fleets will be made available at a later date, Carnival said.

Fincantieri will develop and construct five ships at its shipyards in Monfalcone and Marghera, Italy.

Meyer Werft will build four ships at its yards in Papenburg, Germany and Turku, Finland.

Carnival Corporation’s fleet enhancement strategy will see two ships added and four ships removed this year.

President and chief executive Arnold Donald (pictured) said: “We’re excited to take this next step in our fleet enhancement plan with these two new agreements that are consistent with our long-term strategy of measured capacity growth over time.

“Our goal as a company is to exceed the expectations of every guest on every ship every day, and these new ships will further enable us to do just that.

“These will be the most efficient ships we have ever built and the great guest experience will create even more excitement around cruising – helping new cruisers realize the superior vacation experience and value that cruising offers versus land-based vacations.”

Fincantieri chief executive Giuseppe Bono said: “Today’s announcement provides us with a long-term strategic prospective, and reinforces the extraordinary partnership between us and Carnival Corporation, developed over time thanks to the confidence the group has always shown in us, which we assure will be once again well placed.

“This agreement reflects the exceptional business vision of the world’s most important cruise operator, and our readiness and flexibility in interpreting its demands.”

Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft, said: “We are very happy and honoured that Carnival Corporation trusts our strength to bring this ambitious newbuilding program to life in Turku and Papenburg.”

P&O Cruises UK launched Britannia earlier this month. Later this year, the AIDA Cruises fleet will welcome AIDAprima, which is expected to be one of the most technically advanced and sustainable cruise ships ever built.

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